mucozelen

Mucozelen is a biocompatible, mucoadhesive hydrogel described as a platform for mucosal protection and drug delivery. In scientific and development contexts, it is characterized by its ability to adhere to mucus layers and to form a thin, viscoelastic film on mucosal surfaces.

Composition and properties: Mucozelen is typically described as a crosslinked polymer network based on carbohydrate-derived monomers with hydrophilic and mucoadhesive functionalities. It can be tuned to different molecular weights and crosslink densities, enabling adjustable viscosity, residence time, and permeability. It is designed to be soluble in aqueous media at low concentrations and to gel under physiological conditions (pH, ionic strength).

Mechanism of action: After administration, mucozelen adsorbs to the mucus layer, forming a protective film that reduces shear forces, stabilizes the mucous gel, and can serve as a reservoir for loaded active ingredients. Its mucoadhesive interactions may involve hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions with mucins.

Applications: It has been proposed for use as a mucosal protectant in ocular, nasal, oral, or gastrointestinal contexts, and as a carrier for local drug delivery, enabling prolonged residence time and sustained release. It is studied in vitro using mucociliary models.

Safety and regulatory status: Mucozelen remains primarily in the preclinical or exploratory phase. Reported studies emphasize biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity in cell culture and animal models, but there is limited clinical data. Regulatory classification varies; developers would need comprehensive toxicology, immunogenicity, and efficacy data before any human use.

See also: Related topics include mucoadhesive polymers, hydrogels, and mucosal barriers.